The American College of Radiology is urging the U.S. Senate to move forward with the long-stalled nomination of Monica Bertagnolli, MD, to lead the National Institutes of Health.

ACR voiced its desire for the confirmation process to take its next step in a Sept. 25 letter to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. President Joe Biden first announced his intent to nominate the “world renowned” surgical oncologist, cancer researcher, educator and physician leader on May 15. However, Chair Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., blocked the HELP Committee from reviewing the nomination, urging the administration to first present a plan on lowering drug prices.

Last month, Sanders indicated that the committee would hold a hearing in October, but one has yet to be scheduled, the college noted.

“ACR believes Dr. Bertagnolli is an ideal candidate for this nomination, and we urge her swift confirmation,” Jacqueline A. Bello, MD, chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors, wrote to Sens. Sanders and Bill Cassidy, MD, R-La. “As director of the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Bertagnolli has both the experience of running one of the largest government agencies in the country as well as the proven ability to navigate the challenges of the federal legislative and regulatory processes.”

The Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research, ACR and over 100 other organizations also penned a letter about the nomination in June.

In his Sept. 8 update, Sen. Sanders acknowledged recent actions taken by HHS, and a commitment from the White House, to work toward lowering prescription drug prices.

“I look forward to meeting with Dr. Bertagnolli to discuss what she is prepared to do at the NIH to substantially lower the outrageous price of prescription drugs in America,” he said last month.